Abstract For a long time, sodium balance appeared to be a “done deal” and was thought to be well understood. However, experiments in preparation of space missions showed that the concept of osmotic sodium storage and close correlations of sodium with water balance are only part of the regulatory mechanisms of body salt. By now it has turned out that the human skin is an important storage place and regulator for sodium, that sodium storage involves macrophages which in turn salt-dependently co-regulate blood pressure, that body sodium also strongly influences bone and protein metabolism, and that immune functions are also strongly influenced by sodium. In addition, the aging process appears to lead to increased body sodium storage, which in turn might influence the aging process of the human body. The current review article summarizes the developments that have led to these revolutionizing new findings and concepts as well as consequences deriving from these findings. Therefore, it is not intended in this article to give a complete literature overview over the whole field but to focus on such key literature and considerations that led to the respective developments.
Highlights Non osmotical sodium storage in the body is an important new discovery from space physiology. The skin is an important storage location for sodium. High sodium consumption induces bone and protein degradation. Macrophages are involved in blood pressure regulation. High sodium consumption aggravates autoimmune diseases.
Salt balance: From space experiments to revolutionizing new clinical concepts on earth – A historical review
Acta Astronautica ; 104 , 1 ; 378-382
2014-05-13
5 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
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